Barbados Travel Guide
Useful Tips
Planning a trip to Barbados? Here’s everything you need to know.
Official Language
English
Capital
Bridgetown
Currency
Barbadian Dollar
Time Zone
UTC-3

Barbados is the most easterly of the Caribbean islands. It occupies 432 square kilometers (167 sq mi). It is 34 km (21 mi) long and 23 km (14 mi) wide. It is located east of Saint Lucia and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Southeast of Martinique and northeast of Trinidad and Tabago.
Climate and weather in Barbados
Barbados has two seasons. The “wet season” falls from June to December and the “dry season” falls from Jan – May. Annual rainfall falls from 40in to 90in. The average temperatures fall from 21C – 31C (73 – 88F). Barbados is located just outside of the hurricane strike zone, so the island rarely is effected by any hurricanes.
Getting to Barbados:
The Grantley Adams International airport receives flights from around the globe including several international flights come in from across the Caribbean, US, Canada and the UK.
Getting around Barbados:
Some hotels also provide visitors with shuttles to points of interest on the island from outside hotel lobbies. There are several locally owned and operated vehicle rental agencies in Barbados but there are no multi-national companies that operate on the island.
There are also three bus systems that run seven days a week including route taxis” also known as “ZRs” (pronounced “Zed-Rs”), yellow minibuses and blue Transport Board buses.

Things to do in Barbados
Golf, windsurfing, kite surfing, walking food tour, sunset tours, stand up paddle boarding, surfing, and snorkeling are all popular activities on the island.
- Go rum tasting at Mount Gay Distillery. Tour the factory to learn about the process of making rum and finish it off by sampling some of their specialty rums.
- Visit the Barbados Museum and Historical Society. This is located within the UNESCO National Heritage Site, Historic Bridgetown and its Garrison, which is where you can explore the island’s rich history.
- Meet your favorite heroes, musicians, athletes and more as you step into Caribbean history at the Caribbean Wax Museum.
- Visit the Emancipation Statue of Bussa in St. Michael which commemorates the 1816 rebellion, led by Bussa, a national hero who played was a key figure in the fight against slavery on the island.
- Tour the Animal Flower Cave. The name is derived from the sea anemones, also known as “animal flowers” that can be found in the pools in the cave. The cave is naturally formed and is the island’s only accessible sea cave. There are many pools to tour within the cave as well as a restaurant located inside.
Major Events in Barbados
Holetown Festivalcelebrates the history and heritage of Barbados and celebrates the arrival of the first settlers in the island. The event is held every February. Expect craft markets, live music, traditional eats and more.
Barbados Reggae Festival features the best of reggae and dancehall. Expect live performances by local and international artists at various venues across the island. The event is held annually in April.
Crop Over Festival takes place from June to August. This is Barbados’ most famous festival which celebrates the island’s sugar cane harvest. Highlights include street parades, cultural shows, soca music, calypso music, costume competitions, traditional food and drink and more.
Barbados Food & Rum Festivalis for lovers of all things food and drink. Enjoy gourmet dinners, tasting events, cooking demos, rum tastings and mixology sessions by local and international purveyors. The event is held in October annually.
Barbados Jazz Festival is held every October. This festival features local and international jazz artists performing at outdoor concerts and more intimate jazz sessions.
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